LaVar Ball lost his leg due to complications from diabetes. He developed an infection in his foot that spread through his bloodstream because he had not been managing his diabetes properly. This infection led to multiple surgeries: first removing a few toes, then the foot, and finally amputation of most of his leg nearly up to the knee. He underwent three surgeries and four blood transfusions in total as doctors tried to stop the spread of the infection and save his life. LaVar has described the ordeal as very difficult, but his sons helped him stay strong and positive through the recovery process.